Merrow Announces A Revolution In Personal Protective Equipment

FALL RIVER, Mass. — April 21, 2021 — In celebration of Earth Day 2021, Merrow Manufacturing is set to debut a revolutionary new line of closed loop, Net Zero PPE™, personal protective equipment that includes medical gowns, surgical caps and scrubs woven with REPREVE® recycled polyester — made using 100-percent recycled post-consumer content from plastic bottles. The first-of-its-kind design and production is a collaborative effort between Merrow, a nearly 200-year-old brand with a deep heritage of product innovation and a leading domestic manufacturer of PPE, and Precision Fabrics Group (PFG), vertically integrated experts in weaving and finishing the most technically challenging continuous-filament fabrics in the world.

The full line of Merrow Medical Net Zero PPE garments includes base layers, scrubs, vests, surgical caps and isolation gowns. For physicians, nurses and healthcare systems, the garments provide a reliable domestic supply chain with a cost per use that is 25- to 33-percent less expensive than the cost of an equivalent disposable garment, thanks to its reusable properties. Merrow Medical Net Zero PPE garments exceed AAMI/PB70 standards and offer the highest level of protection available to frontline workers throughout the life of the garment.

“The Merrow Medical Net Zero PPE garments are the first step to re-engineering the nation’s critically important medical garment/PPE supply chain, utilizing reusable, recyclable materials and manufacturing them in solar-powered factories in the United States,” said Charlie Merrow, CEO of Merrow Manufacturing. “It is vital that we not only create a superior, recyclable medical garment, but also strengthen our national security by rebuilding the supply chain for these products domestically.”

“The Net Zero PPE Program using PFG’s Precision Protection™ medical fabrics is about doing the right thing for our healthcare workers, hospital systems and our environment. It provides the highest protection available to our clinicians at the lowest possible cost to hospital systems, and nearly eliminates the environmental footprint in the process,” said Byron Bassett, PFG corporate vice president. “Our closed loop, recycled, net zero medical fabrics and garments are a drastic disruption to the status quo that involves using a garment once and then disposing it in a landfill.”

As part of the production process, PFG will weave Precision Protection fabrics from REPREVE high-quality, recycled polyester yarn created by Unifi, a leading innovator in recycled and synthetic yarn and fibers. Designed for durability, each garment can be recycled into yarn for a new medical garment, keeping the manufacturing loop closed and reducing the plastics waste stream.

According to Merrow, green manufacturing in support of the medical supply chain is the pioneering American initiative needed to realize long term internationally competitive manufacturing programs that align with environmental and progressive policies. “In scaling a green manufacturing program with federal, state and private health care partners, we are insuring this vital sector is not held hostage by an international supply chain that has buckled during the coronavirus pandemic,” Merrow said. “Earth Day 2021 will be remembered as the day we took the first step toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.”

Posted April 22, 2021

Source: Merrow Medical

New Sensil® BioCare Improves Textile Effects On Ecosystems

MIGDAL HAEMEK, Israel — April 22, 2021 — NILIT, a global supplier of nylon 6,6, is proud to introduce Sensil® BioCare, a sustainable premium nylon fiber enhanced with special technology that helps lessen the persistence of textile waste in sea water and in landfills. Sensil BioCare is the newest addition to the broad Sensil portfolio of responsibly manufactured, environmentally considerate premium Nylon products that benefit the entire textile supply chain, from polymer to finished garment. NILIT has developed these products to help the textile and apparel industry address its specific environmental challenges, such as water consumption, ecosystem impact, and use of recycled content, and to respond to consumer demand for more responsible textiles.

“We designed our new Sensil BioCare to help reduce the potential impact of synthetic fabrics on the Earth’s ecosystems,” said Ilan Melamed, NILIT general manager. “We provide consumers the same performance, comfort, and durability they expect from Sensil premium Nylon along with the peace of mind that they are making a positive choice for the planet.”

Sensil BioCare features a built-in technology that is proven through an independent lab to break down Sensil BioCare fibers substantially more rapidly than conventional nylon. Tests were conducted in both landfill soil and sea water simulations to understand the potential impact of Sensil BioCare on both ecosystems. Sensil BioCare showed remarkable disintegration in both simulated environments during the test periods in comparison to nylon fiber that does not include the special technology.

Specifically, initial testing according to ASTM D6691 Standard Test Method For Determining Aerobic Biodegradation Of Plastic Materials In The Marine Environment and ASTM D5511 Standard Test Method For Determining Anaerobic Biodegradation Of Plastic Materials Under High-Solids Anaerobic-Digestion Conditions indicates that Sensil BioCare yarns will break down more rapidly than conventional nylon. These promising findings point to reduced waste accumulation in both oceans and landfills.

The special technology in Sensil BioCare will not wear or wash out nor will it interfere with other performance additives, finishes, or dyes. In addition, Sensil BioCare is responsibly manufactured according to NILIT’s Total Product Sustainability (TPS) criteria. Sensil BioCare fabrics are long-lasting while also being very soft and aesthetically rich, ensuring that conscious consumers will appreciate their apparel even more knowing that they are part of the sustainable solution.

Posted April 22, 2021

Source: NILIT

Milliken & Company Publishes Third Annual Corporate Sustainability Report

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — April 22, 2021 — Global manufacturer Milliken & Company today released its third annual corporate sustainability report, entitled Together for Tomorrow. This report, which analyzes Milliken’s performance through the lens of its holistic sustainability efforts, highlights its progress towards the 2025 sustainability goals the company set in 2018. Covering people, product and planet, this report creates increased accountability while inviting new conversations and collaborations as the company works to create a positive impact on the world that will last generations.

“Together, we met the critical moments from 2020,” shared Halsey Cook, president and CEO for Milliken. “We pivoted production lines, launched new innovations, and rallied our team to improve our sustainability metrics in 10 of 12 strategic categories. Our sustainability initiatives have momentum and are fundamentally changing our business.”

As a material science expert serving the chemical, flooring, textile and healthcare industries, Milliken associates annually review and report on the company’s progress, and their findings shape this report. Completed in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative framework, Together for Tomorrow is available to the public as a digital experience with downloadable content.

In 2020, Milliken made significant progress in its planet, product and people goals, notably:

  • Doubling down on an ongoing commitment to advancing diversity, equality, and inclusion in the face of social unrest;
  • Focusing development and manufacturing process on helping fight COVID-19 by producing medical-grade fabric gowns, face shields and flooring that assists with social distancing efforts;
  • Prioritizing associate safety, particularly essential workers, by enhancing the company’s safety-first culture during the pandemic;
  • Bolstering the plastics circularity discussion by convening thought leaders with a goal to illuminate workable ecosystem solutions hosted by National Geographic Creative Works;
  • Continuing to invest capital to eliminate coal as a primary fuel source, thereby reducing GHG emissions and reduce waste;
  • Acquiring Borchers — Milliken’s largest acquisition to date — which will scale the company’s coating additives platform in a way that reduces solvents and environmental impact; and
  • Launching the Milliken Leadership Model, which will train associates on growth leadership with purpose.

Posted April 22, 2021

Source: Milliken & Company

Indorama Ventures Expands Its Deja™ Sustainable Brand Platform With Introduction Of Deja™ Carbon Neutral PET

BANGKOK, Thailand — April 22, 2021 — Indorama Ventures PCL (IVL) is expanding its portfolio of sustainable solutions under its Deja™ brand. The global sustainable ingredients brand is a key part the company’s commitment to meet growing demand for innovative, high performance products which will reduce impact on the environment.

Deja Carbon Neutral PET pellet is the latest innovation under IVL’s Deja global brand offering as the world’s first certified carbon neutral PET pellet solution. It is a significant addition to the growing Deja portfolio, which includes sustainable PET, rPET, polymer and fiber range of products available across flake, pellet, fiber and filament ingredients. Deja Carbon Neutral PET pellet has been sustainably produced throughout its supply chain and helps environmentally conscious companies to achieve their sustainability targets by lowering their Scope 3 GHG emissions.

Through its Deja global, sustainable ingredient brand, IVL is differentiating itself in the marketplace by offering a performance-led suite of sustainable solutions that helps its customers to achieve their sustainability targets, while also responding to end consumers’ demand for transparency and environmental responsibility. IVL’s unique access to recycling sources through its own global supply chain ecosystem means it can power sustainability and support customers that are aiming to close the loop.

The Deja brand platform is inspired by IVL’s vision to be a world-class chemical company making great products for society, underscored by an ambitious target of achieving 25 percent renewable electricity of total power consumption by 2030. To achieve this, IVL has pledged $1.5 billion towards meeting its sustainability targets. Deja fiber and polymer products offer high performance and versatility, with a lower carbon footprint. They can be applied to a wide range of applications across the Hygiene, Lifestyle, Automotive and Packaging sectors, while meeting the exacting standards demanded by these specialist sectors.

Deja Carbon Neutral is a PET proposition with neutralized raw material emissions, from cradle to IVL’s plant gates. It comes with an independently verified carbon neutral certification of compliance from globally established providers. Through a partnership with South Pole, a leading project developer and provider of global climate solutions, IVL offsets unavoidable carbon emissions through projects that help transform lives and protect the environment.

D. K. Agarwal, CEO of Indorama Ventures, said: “We are pleased to continually grow the DEJA low carbon performance PET, rPET and polymer brand platform. Working throughout the supply chain, Deja offers sustainability by giving converters credibility, retailers accreditation, and end consumers the assurance of transparency and high performance as standard. Deja demands more from our PET and less from the environment by recycling and transforming PET into extraordinary, sustainable products across multiple applications that perform as they protect the future.”

Yashovardhan Lohia, chief sustainability officer at Indorama Ventures, said: “IVL is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of PET resin so it is important that we demonstrate sustainability leadership. By supporting the development of recycling infrastructure, and investing in advanced recycling and sustainable technologies, we close the loop, delivering a circular economy and reducing carbon emissions. Our Deja brand offers customers a superior choice of flake, pellet, fiber and filament options that have sustainability built into the supply chain. We are responsible to our customers and to the environment by offering the best options without compromise. We do this by respecting and recognizing the value of PET, rPET and other sustainable polymer solutions, as a viable resource for business and the environment. The Deja brand platform will enable conscientious customers to differentiate and to add value along the supply chain. This gives consumers the confidence they need to select superior and purposeful products that enable sustainable business and environmental protection”.

Posted April 22, 2021

Source: Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL)

Intelligent Textiles And Mass Customization (ITMC) Conference Postponed To September 2022, In Montréal

SAINT-HYACINTHE, QUÉBEC — April 22, 2021 — CTT Group is postponing the International Conference on Intelligent Textiles and Mass Customization (ITMC) to 2022, due to the pandemic. The event now will be held September 19-21 in Montreal.

“We had no other choice but to postpone the event to next year, due to the pandemic,” said Valerio Izquierdo, vice president, Business Development and Partnership, CTT Group. “Some participants had already expressed interest in participating in the conference and had submitted abstracts presenting their studies and projects. Our team is currently communicating with all the interested persons to inform them of the situation. As of next fall, we will be able to unveil the main points of the program and provide more details on the registration process. We look forward to seeing you in 2022!”

Among the topics that will be addressed at ITMC 2022, we should note: composite and textile reinforcement; medical textiles; personal protective equipment; smart and functional textiles; bio- sourced, bio-degradable and eco-textiles; advanced technical textiles; nanotechnology; comfort; sustainable and advanced manufacturing processes; supply chain management; logistics; mass customization; e-commerce; digital solutions and education and training methodology.

Businesses, research institutions and organizations worldwide will have the opportunity to participate in the exchanges of ideas that will punctuate the 2022 edition, to discuss innovative solutions and explore possibilities for partnership and collaboration.

“ITMC 2022 is an outstanding showcase. I am convinced it will contribute to accentuate the Québec textile industry’s outreach on the world scene. This will also be an opportunity for CEOs and organizations in the sector to present their innovative solutions and establish strategic partnerships that will allow them to accelerate their expansion,” said Dany Charest, executive director of TechniTextile Québec, the Technical Textile Materials Cluster.

Posted April 22, 2021

Source: CTT Group  

Lenzing’s VEOCEL™ Brand Leads By Example To Introduce The First Carbon Neutral Lyocell Fiber For The Nonwovens Industry

LENZING, Austria — April 22, 2021 — A keen advocate to transform the nonwovens industry with greater transparency and sustainability measures, Lenzing’s VEOCEL™ brand is marking a new milestone with the introduction of the industry’s first carbon neutral Veocel-branded fibers. The new offering for Lyocell fibers will enable the Veocel brand to support nonwoven industry partners and product brands to reduce climate impact through the use of fibers with a net-zero footprint.

As a brand that has been dedicated to offering products based on renewable material wood, derived from sustainably managed forests, Veocel is leading by example, making significant strides in achieving new certification standards and now also reinforcing Lenzing’s commitments to carbon neutrality.

“At Lenzing, we are very proud of the progress we have been making to address climate change,” said Robert van de Kerkhof, member of the board of Lenzing. “The new carbon neutral Veocel Lyocell fibers will play a big role in contributing to our goal to become a net-zero company by 2050. At Lenzing, we understand that caring for the environment isn’t just good business, but good for the business. That is why we are becoming even more dedicated to effecting real change to the industry as we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and embrace climate protection through our zero carbon commitments and ongoing innovations.”

Certified CarbonNeutral® product for climate protection

As of June 2021, Veocel Lyocell fibers are available as certified CarbonNeutral® products with a carbon footprint reduced to net-zero according to The CarbonNeutral Protocol. Achieving certified carbon neutrality was the result of Lenzing’s ambitious carbon reduction efforts over the last years and the collaboration with Natural Capital Partners, a recognized global leader in the design, development and delivery of corporate climate action programmes. Together it was possible to reduce carbon emissions to net-zero through a mix of higher production efficiencies, use of renewable energy sources, low-carbon materials and the dedicated support of an external nature-based carbon removal project. These Veocel branded fibers reinforce Lenzing’s commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative around reduction of total global carbon emissions, a quest driven by the UN Paris Agreement.

“The first step in taking action, is understanding the problem at hand,” said Jürgen Eizinger, vice president of Global Management Nonwovens at Lenzing. “The Veocel brand is committed to making the shift to carbon neutrality an ongoing effort. Emission from raw materials is often the biggest part of a product or corporate footprint. To reduce these indirect emissions, a company can either avoid such a material or depends on its value chain to deliver new climate friendly solutions. With our new offer of carbon neutral Veocel Lyocell fibers, we can certainly help our partners and customers reduce their emission impact.”

Partnering for Change

Consumers are holding their brands to higher standards when it comes to carbon neutrality and climate friendly products. As an ingredient brand, Veocel is committed to guiding and partnering with retailers, brands and the nonwoven industry toward improving the carbon footprint and environmental impact of raw materials and products. Materials and goods produced with Veocel Lyocell fibers certified as CarbonNeutral® products will benefit from a specially developed Veocel “climate care” logo. The Veocel “climate care” initiative signifies Lenzing’s commitment to offer climate friendly solutions to limit global warming, reduce its carbon footprint and engage with partners along the supply chain to provide more sustainable nonwovens solutions.

“With the newly minted Veocel climate care logo, we hope to build a connection between brands and consumers. When consumers see products with the ‘climate care’ logo on the packaging, they will be able to recognize that the product is made of Veocel Lyocell fibers which have a neutral impact on our climate. This will not only give them confidence about making more informed, eco-conscious purchase decisions, but also reassure that they are taking a proactive step to tackle climate change,” Eizinger added.

The Veocel brand will be sharing more details around Lenzing decarbonization effort for the nonwovens industry and the path forward during the EDANA Outlook event on April 23rd. Please refer to here for more details.

Posted April 22, 2021

Source: The Lenzing Group

After Almost 30 Years With The Company, Monforts Vice President Klaus Heinrichs Is To Retire

Klaus Heinrichs

MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — April 22, 2021 — A very well-known and respected figure in the industry, Klaus Heinrichs began working in marketing for Monforts in 1992.

“From the very beginning until today Klaus used his great flair and networking skills to secure and improve the company’s international presence and public relations, especially at seven successive ITMA textile machinery exhibitions, beginning with the show in Milan in 1995,” said Monforts Marketing Manager Nicole Croonenbroek. “Later, he also took care of customer service, sales administration and exports in his uniquely calm and quietly-spoken style.”

“He has always been a guarantor of successful product launches for Monforts technical and technological highlights such as the TwinAir principle of independent airflow regulation, the Hercules LTM stenter chain, the Econtrol® dyeing technology* or the Montex®Coat device — to mention only a few.”

Heinrichs has also been active on the VDMA’s Exhibition and Marketing Committee since 1993, which he chaired from 2005 to 2008.

“Klaus always enriched the industry discussions with practical and future-oriented proposals and thus also advanced ITMA,” said Thomas Waldmann, managing director of the VDMA Textile Machinery Association. “We sincerely thank him and wish him all the best for this new chapter of his life.”

“We will miss Klaus as a colleague and as a manager because of his skills, character and his engagement,” added Monforts Managing Director Stefan Flöth. “He truly represents the Monforts commitment to our customers to be helpful, accurate, fast and reliable, and we keep him as a friend. I’m sure the many friends he made throughout the world during his career with the company will join us in wishing him all the best for his next phase of life together with his family.”

* Econtrol is a registered trademark of Dystar Colours Distribution GmbH.

Posted April 22, 2021

Source: A. Monforts Textilmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG

Elevate Textiles Releases 2021 Sustainability Report

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — April 21, 2021 — Elevate Textiles is excited to release its 2021 Sustainability Report. Elevate Textiles and its distinguished brands including American & Efird (A&E), Burlington, Cone Denim, Gütermann and Safety Components, report increased involvement in global sustainability initiatives and significant progress against the company’s 2025 Sustainability goals.

Within the report, Elevate outlines progress towards its 2025 Sustainability Goals, focused on sustainably sourced fibers, reduced water consumption and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The 2021 Annual Report shares the company’s increased participation and leadership in global collaborations and our alignment with the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles, which further supports Elevate’s own environmental program, the Ten Threads of Sustainability.  This year’s report is structured in line with key UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) commitments related to Elevate and its brands.

“As a valued supply partner and responsible manufacturer, our Elevate teams and brands are committed to understanding our customers’ needs and aligning our actions to help achieve critical sustainability goals,” said Sim Skinner, president and CEO of Elevate Textiles.  “We are focused on providing ethically and sustainably sourced products that offer innovative solutions needed to be successful, and we view our teams and global resources as a collaborative extension and partner to our customers, suppliers, employees, communities and other stakeholders.”

The 2021 Sustainability Report outlines Elevate’s progress and achievements, including:

  • Measurement of Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions and continued efforts toward reduction of Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gases, in line with the corporate goal of 2.5 percent per year reduction.
  • 7.5 percent reduction of absolute global water consumption since 2016.
  • Increased water recycling by 65 percent since 2016 by implementing new wastewater technologies.
  • Achieved 68 percent sustainably sourced cotton against its goal of 80 percent sustainably sourced by 2025.
  • Joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and contributing resources to support the Higg Index.
  • Increased participation on task teams and Councils within the ZDHC Programme and with working groups of the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.
  • Installation of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) facility in Parras, Mexico in 2021.  After completion, Elevate will operate a total of 3 ZLD facilities globally.

“We are pleased with the progress we have made since our last report as we ramp up our efforts to achieve our sustainability goals and support the sustainability strategies of our customers,” said Jimmy Summers, chief sustainability officer for Elevate Textiles.  “We are focused on advancing our efforts and environmental commitments across Elevate and our brands with innovative and responsible manufacturing practices.  We continue to demonstrate global leadership through key collaborations and global initiatives that support and further the industry’s sustainability journey and ultimate success.”

To review Elevate’s full 2021 Sustainability Report and updates on other sustainable innovations, visit Elevate’s website at www.elevatetextiles.com/sustainability/

Posted April 21, 2021

Source: Elevate Textiles

AGI Denim Debuts Partnership With Panda Biotech To Expand Sustainable Hemp Offerings

DALLAS/KARACHI, Pakistan — April 21, 2021 — AGI Denim and Panda Biotech are pleased to announce they have entered into a global production partnership. AGI Denim will combine its innovative denim manufacturing technologies with American-grown industrial hemp processed and cottonized at Panda Biotech’s state-of-the-art facility in the United States.

The partnership is an exciting step forward for innovation within the industry. Today’s eco-conscious consumers increasingly demand high-quality, yet sustainable products that conserve the earth’s precious resources and reduce its carbon footprint. Both companies expect to play a leading role in discovering how sustainable, hemp-based fibers and materials can be used to create high-quality denim.

Panda Biotech’s hemp is an easily traceable, U.S.-grown product that offers complete visibility and quality assurance within an industry that is still trying to address the issue of transparency within its supply-chain. The collaboration allows both companies and their brand partners to identify, track and trace the hemp fiber as it moves along the supply chain from raw to finished goods — providing peace of mind to consumers who will know exactly where their products originate. AGI Denim is the first company to partner with Panda.

“This partnership with Panda Biotech is an excellent opportunity for AGI, and we are thrilled to be working with a team of people who share the same passion for sustainability within the industry that we do. What we found most compelling about this ground-breaking, female-led company is the traceability angle that goes right back to the American farmer,” said Hasan Javed, executive director at AGI Denim. “Given hemp’s incredibly positive impact on the environment, we strongly believe that it is the future and the way forward. We’re excited to see what innovative new materials will come from this collaboration.”

“We are excited to work with AGI, and applaud their commitment to implement transformative processes that will better both the environment and the jeans they manufacture,” said Dixie Carter, president of Panda Biotech. “The pace of fashion is unsustainable. We are on the cusp of great change as brands and manufacturers make increasingly aggressive commitments to producing sustainable products with renewable processes. Industrial hemp will play a pivotal role in satisfying this growing market demand.”

As an existing leader in circularity within the industry, AGI has already made great strides in developing innovative alternatives to traditional denim manufacturing and processing methods. Just this year, they were awarded a Gold Level, Cradle-to-Cradle Certification for their latest hemp-based fabric material, Hemp X. And, by using Panda Biotech’s proprietary cottonization process, AGI Denim looks forward to utilizing even more environmentally friendly materials in their upcoming denim collections. With the company’s exclusive one-year deal with Panda for the Pakistan denim industry, AGI Denim expects to further scale its use of sustainable raw materials at its new facilities.

A perfect blend with cotton and other fibers, industrial hemp offers a host of environmental benefits that make it an exciting option for future use within the industry. It’s proven to absorb more CO2 per acre than any forest or commercial crop and requires a fraction of the water needed by most major crops. In addition, hemp can grow in a wide variety of climates and soil types, is naturally resistant to most pests, and grows very tightly spaced — allowing it to “outcompete” most weeds.

“As we transition to a future that embraces more sustainable agriculture and processing practices in textiles,” added Javed, “industrial hemp can help lead the way.”

Posted April 21, 2021

Source: Panda Biotech, LLC / AGI Denim

Gap Inc. Celebrates Earth Day 2021

SAN FRANCISCO — April 21, 2021 — Gap Inc. is celebrating Earth Day! Its purpose-led lifestyle brands: Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, are working hard on progress towards their bold sustainability commitments. Last week, Old Navy announced its goal to eliminate plastic shopping bags by 2023 in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico; and to have all North America stores participating in its hanger recycling program by the end of 2021.

“Reducing waste is an important part of our commitment to protecting natural resources and ensuring healthy communities for generations to come,” said Sally Gilligan, head of Strategy at Gap Inc. “We’re proud to continue advancing progress towards our sustainability goals through leading innovation and industry partnerships.”

Empowering Women, Enabling Opportunity, and Enriching Communities

Gap Inc.’s purpose, Inclusive, by Design, is expressed through efforts focused on empowering women, enabling opportunity, and enriching communities. Recognizing that women are disproportionately affected by climate change and water scarcity, the USAID Gap Inc. Women + Water Alliance pledges to improve access to drinking water and sanitation for 2 million people, of which 1 million are women, by 2023 in India’s textile manufacturing communities. To date, Gap Inc. has already empowered 650,000 people to improve their access to water and sanitation, reached over 120,000 women with water education, and developed over 1,000 local water security plans. Energy and water are precious resources, which is why Gap Inc. is pushing its brands to use less water and to implement renewable energy throughout the production process.

Sustainable Product

Each of Gap Inc.’s purpose-led lifestyle brands has expanded more sustainable product and practices. Earlier this year, Athleta enabled its climate ambitions when their solar farm in North Carolina came online, helping offset 100 percent of their operational footprint. Eighty-seven percent of Old Navy’s denim assortment incorporates water-saving techniques. Gap continues its Gap For Good commitments, including saving water through the Washwell program. Ninety-one percent of Gap denim is part of the water-saving Washwell program that has enabled Gap to save over 402 million liters of water since 2016 — enough to fill 804 million water bottles compared to conventional wash methods. In addition, Gap recently launched its most sustainable collection of apparel yet – Generation Good, icons made of organic and recycled fabrics that check all the boxes on Gap’s Good List: less waste, less water, lower emissions, better materials, and support for workers. At Banana Republic, over 60 percent of the materials used in its 2021 Spring Collection are from more sustainable sources, including denim styles that are designed and constructed with recyclability in mind.

Building a Circular Economy

In parallel, Gap Inc. has already made significant progress in moving towards a circular economy by partnering across the industry to activate and scale an ecosystem of solutions. Gap Inc. is a founding partner of Make Fashion Circular, an Ellen MacArthur Foundation program (EMF), advancing the industry dialogue on circularity. Gap and Banana Republic participated in EMF’s Jeans Redesign, a challenge to redesign denim in line with the circular economy’s principles. Gap recently launched a partnership with Give Back Box, where customers can reuse their mailer pouch, pack up gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories, then print a free shipping label; all donations are sent to a charity in need. Additionally, Banana Republic, aligned with their heritage of upcycling, partnered with Thrilling to curate vintage pieces from the past few decades. Gap Inc. has funded leading-edge research with The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA) to tackle the challenge of separating cotton and polyester during recycling so that more fabrics can be turned into new textiles. Gap Inc. is also a member of the steering committee for Accelerating Circularity, an industry collaboration between apparel brands and supply chain partners focused on developing guidance and supporting the fashion industry’s move from linear to circular business models.

Eliminating Single-Use Plastics

Furthering its pledge to enrich communities, Gap Inc. has committed to eliminating single-use plastics by 2030. One of the first steps towards achieving this goal is to reduce the volume of virgin plastic currently used in e-commerce mailers. Through initiatives like Gap Inc.’s new garment folding standards that reduce the size of the polybags used and its new 50 percent recycled content mailer, the company will significantly reduce the amount of virgin plastic used in operations. Customers can visit gapinc.com/inthebag for information about the mailers and how to reuse and recycle them. In order to accelerate progress towards its single-use plastic elimination goal, Gap Inc. is currently partnering with other leaders in the industry as a signatory member of the Fashion Pact, to identify and pilot viable innovative alternatives to single-use plastic.

Gap Inc. continues to use its platform to be a force for good. Ahead of Earth Day, Sonia Syngal, CEO, Gap Inc., will join World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) President and CEO, Carter Roberts, for a dialogue with leaders of some of the world’s largest companies to discuss how they are making corporate climate leadership a reality through science-based targets and investing in nature-based solutions. Registration is available online for the virtual event, which occurs Wednesday, April 21 at 12 pm PT.

Gap Inc.’s full sustainability report will be released later this year. For more in-depth information about the company’s efforts to be a force for good for people and the planet please visit gapincsustainability.com.

Posted April 21, 2021

Source: Gap, Inc.

1...862863864...2,629Page 863 of 2,629

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue Number I

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.